several couples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "several couples" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to more than two pairs of people who are in a romantic relationship or partnership. Example: "At the party, several couples danced together, enjoying the lively music."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Several couples took the floor.

The New Yorker

Contredanse, genre of dance for several couples.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Several couples had been together for decades.

The New York Times

At the next table were several couples talking American.

The New Yorker

Several couples lamented the fact that they had never met another young gay married couple.

The New York Times - Magazine

Several couples caught on; others appeared more to be moving furniture than dancing an Argentine tango.

The New York Times

Several couples have also, ahem, "performed" for Street View cameras around the world.

Independent

They became the latest of several couples to be married during the marathon.

The New York Times - Sports

The opening, with its near pointillist backdrop, shows several couples frozen in tender poses.

The New York Times - Arts

As it deals with several couples who fall in love, we'll say yes.

The New York Times

She said several couples had already turned down her offer of July 6, which has plenty of openings.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "several couples", ensure the context clearly indicates that you are referring to multiple pairs of individuals, not just a few or a large crowd.

Common error

Avoid using "several couples" when you mean only two couples (use "a couple of couples" or "two couples" instead) or when the number of couples is very large (use "many couples" or "numerous couples").

Linguistic Context

Several couples functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It indicates a quantity of paired individuals, usually in a romantic or social context. Ludwig AI shows numerous examples of its use in describing groups of people attending events or sharing experiences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "several couples" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to denote multiple pairs of individuals. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase sees wide applicability across diverse contexts like news reports, encyclopedias, and scientific articles. Though its register is generally neutral, careful consideration of quantity is advised; while synonyms like "many couples" and "numerous couples" may be used, avoid "several couples" if referring to only two couples or an overwhelmingly large group. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase accurately and effectively describes the presence of multiple pairs within a given situation, making it a valuable asset in descriptive writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

many couples

Emphasizes a large quantity of couples, similar to "several couples" but suggesting a potentially greater number.

numerous couples

Similar to "many couples", highlighting a considerable number of couples involved.

multiple couples

A more formal way of saying "several couples", indicating more than two pairs.

a few pairs

Indicates a smaller quantity than "several couples", suggesting a limited number of pairs.

various couples

Suggests a diverse group of couples, emphasizing their differences rather than just their number.

different couples

Highlights the distinct identities of each couple, similar to "various couples".

a number of couples

A more formal and less specific way to say "several couples".

a few couples

Indicates a smaller quantity than "several couples", suggesting a limited number of pairs.

some couples

A general term indicating an unspecified but limited number of couples.

a collection of couples

Suggests a group of couples gathered together, emphasizing the collective aspect.

FAQs

How do I use "several couples" in a sentence?

"Several couples" is used to describe a group of more than two pairs of people. For example, "Several couples attended the wedding reception".

What are some alternatives to "several couples"?

You can use phrases like "many couples", "numerous couples", or "multiple couples" to express a similar meaning, depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to say "several couples" or "a few couples"?

Both "several couples" and "a few couples" are correct, but they imply slightly different quantities. "Several" suggests more than just a few, so choose the phrase that best reflects the number of couples you're describing.

Can "several couples" refer to same-sex couples?

Yes, "several couples" can refer to any group of couples, regardless of their gender or sexual orientation. The term is inclusive and simply indicates multiple pairs of people.